As the semester is coming to a close, many ambitious students will be looking to get involved in summer internships. Through Wichita State’s Cooperative Education and Internships program, senior Will Sittenauer will be going into his second summer internship with BNSF Railway, something he says he’s “excited” for.

“I am excited for another great experience working with BNSF Railway,” Sittenauer said. “This is my second time going through the process.”

Through the Co-op program, students receive paid internships and hands-on experience through the course of the semester. The internship is designed to aid students in the development of their respective crafts. Once a student signs up online, the student has to create a list of semester objectives of which Co-op, the teacher responsible for giving the grade and the boss of the internship, receives. Toward the end of the semester, students are given a final project in which they will demonstrate what they have learned during their time working — essentially a before-and-after project.

While interning, Sittenauer will work at one of the locomotive shops where the locomotives come in for servicing. The internship includes everything from learning the company’s beliefs, priorities, and conducts to shadowing mechanical workers, helping to manage the day and working on numerous different projects as they arise, Sittenauer said.

  “Last summer I was located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and this summer I will be in Topeka,” Sittenauer said. “I think that internships are huge for students to put many of the things we have been learning about in lecture to real life and to make sure that it is what you want to do for the rest of your life. I have been lucky enough to work for NIAR and BNSF Railway.”